Liverpool FC 3 Aston Villa 2: Player Ratings

Liverpool FC 3 Aston Villa 2: Player Ratings

Liverpool came out on the right side of a five goal thriller to take home all three points. For a change, one could say that the performance justified the result as Liverpool scored more than one goal for the first time this season. The game had some good signs, but there is still huge amounts of work to be done.

Simon Mignolet – 5.5 The Liverpool keeper had a very quiet game with literally nothing to do as Liverpool dominated possession. Simon Mignolet could not be blamed for either of the goals. The keeper could do better in initiating the counter attacks though.

Emre Can – 5 The weakest performer on the day as his passing was awry and was responsible for putting a couple of clearances back into the danger area. Time for a break for the young German maybe as he has had a consecutive run of games?

Martin Skrtel – 5.5 A quiet game for the defender as Liverpool had the lion’s share of possession. As the game moved along, Skrtel alongside his centre-backs started taking up positions higher up the pitch.

Mamadou Sakho – 6 Sakho had a great first half, continuing his imperious form from the past couple of games. He had a more troublesome second half though, facing upto the onrushing Gestede on multiple occasions, including the second goal.

As per usual, Mamadou Sakho has completed 100% of his attempted passes for #LFC so far vs. #AVFC.

Nathaniel Clyne – 6 A decent game for Clyne as the young defender was still getting used to the wing-back position. Clyne contributed far more offensively in this game than against Norwich as Liverpool created opportunities on both flanks, thus stretching the Aston Villa defense.

Alberto Moreno – 7 Another good game for the left-back as the wing-back position has given the Spanish defender a fresh lease of life. Moreno did what he enjoys doing most, driving down the flanks and putting in some smashing corners and low cut backs. Was a constant menace third game running. Un-droppable when he plays like this.

Alberto Moreno has been superb again. What’s he been eating? Three key passes and 96.4% accuracy vs. #AVFC. #LFC

Lucas Leiva – 8 An excellent game for the deep midfielder as he closed down and nipped in the bud any potential attack through the centre of the field. Had a good first half, but was even better in the second half. Joint shout for MoM.

Lucas Leiva won 11/11 tackles today and was 100/108 passing. That is f*€king boss.

James Milner – 6.5 James Milner responded to criticisms about his shocking performances in the last few games with a well taken early goal. Was much more comfortable playing in a bit of an advanced position down the centre. The first goal should reduce the load of this highly self critical player.

Philippe Coutinho – 7 A very effective game for the Brazilian, occupying the left-centre midfield position. He often dropped deep into our own half to dictate moves. In the second half, the switch was turned on as the Coutinho-Sturridge partnership came to life. Good signs ahead!

Danny Ings – 6.5 Another good performance from the front man. Very hard-working with a very under-rated first touch. Linked up excellently with Coutinho and Sturridge. Seems an excellent transfer. A curious mix of Bellamy and Kuyt.

Daniel Sturridge – 8 Sturridge showed what Liverpool have been missing: an uber cool finisher. Two excellently taken goals, and could have easily had a couple more. Needs to be wrapped in cotton wool for the derby now. Promising signs ahead for player and club.

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Srikanth is a writer whose articles mainly deal with tactics or stats. A major fan of Torres/Henderson/Markovic, he is also the host of the Anfield Index Global Podcast and a regular guest on the Anfield Index Indian Podcast.